Operating mechanism for slidable gates

ABSTRACT

An operating mechanism for a slidable gate used to control flow of material from a bottom pour vessel. The mechanism includes a linear-motion device (for example a fluid-pressure cylinder and piston) pivoted to a side wall of the vessel and extending in a direction approaching the vertical. A linkage and preferably an air-cooled rigging mechanically connect the linear-motion device with the gate. In this location the linearmotion device does not extend out from the bottom of the vessel and is not an obstacle, and it can be installed more conveniently or detached between operations.

[451 Aug. 26, 1975 United States Patent 1191 Klaus et al.

[ OPERATING MECHANISM FOR SLIDABLE 3,097,711 7/1963 222/50sx GATES 3,106,322 10/1963 Lynskey....................1..... 222/505x [75] Inventors: Joseph J. Klaus, Urbana; Earl P.

Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Shapland, Champaign, both of Ill.

Assistant ExaminerFrederick R. l-landren Attorney, Agent, or FirmWalter P. Wood [73] Assignee: United States Steel Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pa.

22 Filed: on. 26, 1972 Appl. No.: 300,957

The mechanism includes a linear-motion device (for example a fluid-pressure cylinder and piston) pivoted 0 m 57 23 2D .,n 5 OB 5 2" 2" m km 2" 2" m 1 H G Sn Um ll. 21 55 11.11

to a side wall of the vessel and extending in a direction approaching the vertical. A linkage and preferably an [58] Field of Search 222/504, 505, 559, 561, 222/DIG. 5 251/279 7 air-cooled rigging mechanically connect the linear- References Cited motion device with the gate. In this location the li- UNITED STATES PATENTS nearmotion device does not extend out from the bottom of the vessel and is not an obstacle, and it can be installed more conveniently or detached between op- 17 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures m mm .Eu.$ wa ee LBD 5 07 8355 8999 111 WW 7 11 2265 0853 9 1 l9ll. 1230 38 5 8 22 PATENTEU Auszsma sum 1 [1F 3 Illll 1 llllf PATENTED AUBZB I975 sum 2 OF 3 I I I I PATENTE Antes 1.91s

SHEET 3 0? OPERATING MECHANISM FOR SLIDABLE GATES This invention relates to an improved mechanism for operating a slidable gate which is used to control flow of material from a bottom-pour vessel.

It is known to use slidable gates in lieu of the more common stopper rods for controlling flow of material from bottom-pour vessels, such as ladles and tundishes. Earl P. Shapland and James T. Shapland Application Ser. No. 150,585, filed June 7, 1971, now abandoned, shows a gate construction intended mainly for use on ladles. The operating mechanism of the present invention is particularly useful in conjunction with a gate constructed as shown in the Shapland et al application, and it may be looked on as an improvement over the operating mechanism shown in that application. For purposes of illustration, we show our operating mechanism used with a gate of this construction. Nevertheless our operating mechanism may be used with differently constructed gates and on vessels other than ladles, and our invention is not thus limited.

I-Ieretofore the operating mechanism for the gate usually has included a horizontally extending fluidpressure cylinder and piston or equivalent linearmotion device located below the level of the vessel bottom. The piston travels in the same direction as the gate. Inclusion of a cylinder thus arranged on a ladle has led to problems. The cylinder and hoses attached to it are vulnerable to hot metal, and they may project outside the confines of the vessel bottom where they are an obstacle. One arrangement for overcoming these problems in a ladle gate is to make the cylinder detachable and remove it except when actually needed to operate the gate. The aforementioned application shows this arrangement, but it introduces a new problem that attaching and detaching the cylinder are difficult and hazardous operations when the cylinder is located under a ladle.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved gate-operating mechanism which overcomes the foregoing problems and disadvantages.

A further object is to provide an improved gateoperating mechanism which embodies a linear-motion device mounted on the side wall of a vessel and extending approximately parallel with the side wall (that is, approaching the vertical) where it is conveniently accessible and is not an obstacle.

A further object is to provide an improved gateoperating mechanism in which the linear-motion device is mounted on the side wall of a vessel and mechanically connected to the gate through a bell crank, and preferably an air-cooled rigging, whereby the parts are protected against overheating.

A further object is to provide an improved gateoperating mechanism in which the linear-motion device is located remote from the vessel bottom for more convenient installation and detachment.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a ladle equipped with one form of our gate-operating mechanism;

FIG. 2 is a vertical section on line 11-" of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the bell crank and adjacent parts positioned for opening the gate frame, for example to change gates;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation similar to FIG. 1, but showing a modification;

FIG. 5 is a vertical section on line V-V of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a vertical section on line VI-VI of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is a vertical section showing another modification.

EMBODIMENT SHOWN IN FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 FIGS. 1 and 2 show a conventional bottom-pour ladle 10 for handling liquid metal. The ladle includes a metal shell 12, a refractory lining 13, and a nozzle 14 in the bottom wall. The front of the ladle carries support means l5, 16 to be engaged by suitable handling mechanism for tilting the ladle and dumping the contents when occasion arises.

The ladle is equipped with a slidable gate 17 and support means therefore which, apart from our novel operating mechanism, are illustrated as of the construction shown in the aforementioned Shapland et al application. Briefly this support means comprises a mounting plate 18 attached to the ladle bottom and surrounding the lower end of nozzle 14, a frame 19 carried by the mounting plate on hinge and latch toggle links 20 and 21, a gate carrier 22 mounted to slide within the frame, and a top plate 23 overlying the gate 17 and having an orifice 24 aligned with the nozzle opening. The gate has an orifice 25 and an integral collector nozzle 26-which extends downwardly and the bore of which is aligned with its orifice. The carrier 22 is movable between the position illustrated in FIG. 2 in which a blank portion of the gate underlies the orifice 24 in the top plate 23 to close the orifice and prevent flow of material therethrough, and a position in which the orifice 25 and pouring tube 26 are aligned with orifice 24 to permit flow. The carrier contains a plurality of compression springs 27 and pads 28 which are arranged in a pattern around the pouring tube 26 and act upwardly against the gate. Thus the springs maintain a tight fit between the gate 17, top plate 23, and mounting plate 18. The gate and top plate wear rapidly, since they are directly exposed to liquid metal, but they can be removed and replaced readily on opening the frame 19 about the hinge toggle links 20 with the latch toggle links 21 released. The underside of frame 19 carries a heat shield 29.

The operating mechanism of our invention comprises a supporting plate 32 pivoted on a horizontal axis to a pair of brackets 33 fixed to the side wall of ladle 10 offset from the ladle-tilting support means 15, 16, but approximately in line with thegate. Plate 32 carries a guide tube 34 of the rigging and an attachment bracket 35 for a linear-motion device illustrated asfluidpressure cylinder 36, which contains a reciprocable piston and piston rod 37. Both the guide tube 34 and bracket 35 are fixed to plate 32. The rigging includes an axially movable tube 38 telescopically received within the guide tube 34 and having an integral cap 39 and external sleeve 40 covering the upper end of the guide tube. Preferably we make tube 38 in two parts telescoped and welded together, whereby we use standardized parts to produce a tube of the length required for any ladle.

The upper end of sleeve 40 carries a hook-like fixture 41 for removably attaching the cylinder and piston 36, 37. The upper end of the cylinder carries a pin 42 welded thereto to be received in a pocket 43 in fixture 41. The lower edge 44 of the fixture is curved with an increasing radius of curvature from top to bottom. We can insert pin 42 in pocket 43 and swing cylinder 36 downwardly about the pin. The upper end wall of the cylinder abuts the lower edge 44 of the fixture 41. We attach the piston rod 37 to bracket 35 with a removable pin 45. The cylinder is located at a height where it is convenient to a pouring platform 46 remote from the bottom of the ladle. Thus an operator standing on the platform can easily install or detach the cylinder, and he has no need to work from under the ladle.

We mechanically connect the rigging to the gate carrier 22 through a linkage which includes a bell crank 50 pivoted to the gate frame 19. We pivot one arm of the bell crank to the lower end of tube 38 on a removable pin 51. A connecting rod 52 is pivoted at its opposite ends to the other arm of the bell crank and to the gate carrier 22. Thus axial movement of tube 38 upwardly from the position illustrated in FIG. 2 swings the bell crank clockwise about its pivot and pulls the gate carrier and gate to the left, whereby gate 17 moves to its pouring position. As best shown in FIG. 3, the edge of the bell crank 50 opposite the point at which the bell crank is pivoted to frame 19 has a small hole 53. Before we open the frame 19 to change gates, etc., we operate the cylinder 36 to move tube 38 to its uppermost position. We remove pin 51 so that the rigging does not interfere with opening of the frame, and insert a pin 54 in hole 53, which latter pin abuts the vertical edge of the frame and prevents parts from dropping from the open frame.

Preferably the rigging, and also the frame 19 and parts housed therein, are air-cooled. Near its upper end the sleeve 40 has an air inlet 57, which we connect to a source of air under pressure and which communicates with the interior of tube 38. Near its lower end the tube has an air outlet 58. A flexible hose '59 connects the outlet. 58 to an air inlet 60 on frame 19, which leads to passages within the frame (not shown) We of course disconnect one end of the hose when we open the frame.

EMBODIMENT SHOWN IN FIGS. 4, AND 6 FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show a modified embodiment of our invention for use on a ladle a or other vessel, the gate of which is located under or too close to the vesseltilting support l5, 16 to accommodate an operating mechanism arranged as we show in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The modified embodiment includes a linear-motion device and rigging, and is illustrated as used with a gate and support-means therefor all of a construction similar to the first embodiment already described; hence we do not repeat the description.

The linkage which mechanically connects the rigging and gate carrier 22 includes a bell crank 63, the two arms 63a and 63b of which are horizontally spaced apart. We pivotally support the bell crank in a pair of spaced brackets 64 fixed to the lower edge of the ladle outside the two arms 63a and 63b. It should be noted that we can pivot the bell crank 50 of the first embodiment to brackets mounted on the ladle, as in the second embodiment, but we prefer not to do so for the reason that we could no longer insert a pin through the bell crank to hold the parts from dropping out when we open the frame. Arm 63a is aligned with tube 38 of the rigging and pivoted thereto on a pin 65, which need not be readily removable. Arm 63b is aligned with the gate carrier 22. A connecting rod 66 is pivoted at its opposite ends to the arm 63b and to the carrier 22. The pivotal connection of arm 63b to the connecting rod 66 includes a removabl e pin 67.'The connecting rod 66 is tubular. Cooling air is transmitted from tube 38 of the rigging via a flexible hose 68 which leads to an air inlet 69 on the connecting rod 66 and thence to the bore of 5 the tubularrod. Before opening the frame, we remove pin 67 and disconnect hose 68.

EMBODIMENT SHOWN IN FIG. 7

FIG. 7 shows another modified embodiment of our invention in which we simplify the mechanism by connecting the linear-motion device 73 directly to the bell crank 74 and eliminate any rigging. This embodiment again is illustrated as used with a gate and support means therefor of a construction similar to the first em- 5 bodiment already described; hence we do not repeat the description.

We attach a hook-like fixture 75 directly to the side wall of the vessel 10b. We connect the upper end of the linear motion device 73 to this fixture in a fashion similar to the connection between cylinder 36 and fixture 41 of the first embodiment. The linear-motion device likewise may be a cylinder and piston per se of a construction similar to FIG. 1. FIG. 7 shows the bell crank 74 pivoted to the frame 19, although again we can pivot the bell crank to brackets onthe ladle, as in the second embodiment. We connect the piston rod of the linearmotion device 73 directly to one arm of the bell crank 74 with a removable pin 76. Before opening the frame 19 and also to detach the linear-motion device, we remove pin 76. The gate support means may be aircooled independently of the operating mechanism, for example as shown in the aforementioned Shapland et al application. The bell crank 74 has a hole 77 for insertion of a pin in the same fashion as described with the first embodiment.

OPERATION In all three embodiments shown, we can move the gate to its pouring or closed positions by operating the linear-motion device in the appropriate direction. The bell crank transmits approximately vertical movement of the linear-motion device to horizontal movement of the gate. We pivotally support the linear-motion device, whereby it can follow the arcuate,movement of the bell crank arm to which it is connected. We pivotally connect the connecting rod to both the bell crank arm and to the gate carrier, whereby it can follow the arcuate movement of the arm and the linear movement of the gate carrier. In any installation we locate the linear-motion device at a height which is convenient to the pouring platform. We disconnect the bell crank either from the linear-motion device or from the connecting rod to permit the' frame to open for changing gates, etc. Thus our invention overcomes many problems encountered with gate-operating mechanisms used heretofore. In the embodiments which include the rigging, the latter serves to place the linear-motiondevice as remote as possiblefrom the gate, andalso per- 1 porting means can be opened about the hinged connection for changing gates;

of an improved operating mechanism for said gate,

said mechanism comprising: a bell crank pivotally mounted on said supporting means adjacent the intersection of the bottom and side walls of the vessel; an elongated linear-motion device for applying a force to operate said gate; means on the side wall of said vessel above said bell crank supporting said device for pivotal movement with respect to said vessel; and means operatively connecting said bell crank both with said device and with said gate; said bell crank being disconnectable to permit said supporting means to move about the hinged connection, without interference from said operating mechanism;

said device extending up the side wall of said vessel above said bell crank with the longitudinal axis of said device lying approximately parallel with the side wall, whereby the device is readily accessible without being an obstacle.

2. A combination as defined in claim 1 in which said device is a fluid-pressure cylinder and piston.

3. A combination as defined in claim 1 in which said device is connected directly to said bell crank.

4. A combination as defined in claim 1 including in addition means on said bell crank engageable with said supporting means for preventing parts from dropping from said said supporting means when opened.

5. The combination, with a bottom-pour vessel having a nozzle in its bottom wall, a gate, and means on the underside of the bottom wall slidably supporting said gate, whereby said gate may control flow of material through said nozzle, of an improved operating mechanism for said gate, said mechanism comprising:

a telescoping rigging;

means pivotally supporting said rigging on a side wall of said vessel;

a linear-motion device on the side wall of said vessel operatively connected with said rigging and extending in a direction approximately parallel with the side wall; and

means including a bell crank linkage mechanically connecting said rigging with said gate.

6. A combination as defined in claim 5 in which said rigging is air-cooled.

7. A combination as defined in claim 5 in which the means pivotally supporting said rigging includes a plate pivotally mounted on a side wall of said vessel, said device being removably attached to said plate and to said rigging.

8. A combination as defined in claim 7 in which said rigging is air-cooled.

9. A combination as defined in claim 7 in which said rigging is air-cooled, and including means for transmitting cooling air from said rigging to the means slidably supporting said gate.

10. A combination as defined in claim 7 in which said rigging is aligned with said gate.

11. A combination as defined in claim 7 in which said vessel includes a tilting support on its side wall, and said gate is located approximately under said tilting support, said rigging being offset from said gate and said tilting support, the bell crank of said linkage having horizontally spaced arms connected respectively with said rigging and with said gate.

12. A combination as defined in claim 11 in which said rigging is air-cooled, the connection between said bell crank and said gate includes a tubular connecting rod, and including in addition means for transmitting cooling air from said rigging to the bore of said connecting rod.

13. The combination, with a bottom-pour vessel having a nozzle in its bottom wall, a gate, and means on the underside of the bottom wall slidably supporting said gate for approximately horizontal movement, whereby said gate may control flow of material through said nozzle, of an improved operating mechanism for said gate, said mechanism comprising a mechanically connected linear-motion device and telescoping rigging, means on a side wall of said vessel spaced above the bottom wall thereof pivotally supporting said device and said rigging with both extending in a direction approximately parallel with the side wall, and a linkage mechanically connecting said rigging and saidgate for transmitting movement of said rigging in a direction approaching the vertical to said gate in a direction approximately horizontal.

14. A combination as defined in claim 13 in which said linkage includes a bell crank pivotally mounted adjacent the lower edge of said vessel, means pivotally connecting one arm of said bell crank to said rigging, and a connecting rod pivotally connected to the other arm of said bell crank and leading to said gate.

15. A combination as defined in claim 13 in which the means pivotally supporting said device and said rigging includes a plate, and brackets fixed to the side wall pivotally supporting said plate, and in which said rigging includes a guide tube fixed to said plate, and an axially movable tube within saidv guide tube connected with said device.

16. A combination as defined in claim 15 comprising in addition an air inlet and an air outlet on said axially movable tube for circulating cooling air therethrough, and means connecting saidoutlet with the means slidably supporting said gate for directing cooling air thereto.

17. A combination as defined in claim 14 in which the means slidably supporting said gate can be opened to enable gates to be changed, and one arm of said bell crank can be disconnected from the part to which it is pivoted so as not to interfere with such opening.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 5,901 [+18 Dated August 6; 75

Inventor(s) Joseph Klaus et a1 It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 52, change "tube" to --nozzle-.

Column 5, line 26, change "bell crank" to -lin kage--.

Column 5, line 50, "said" should be deleted.

Signed and Scaled this sixte enth I) 3) 0f December 1 9 75 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer Commissioner oj'Parenls and Trademarks 

1. The combination, with a bottom-pour vessel having a nozzle in its bottom wall, a slidable gate, and supporting means for said gate hinged to the underside of the bottom wall, whereby said gate may control flow of material through said nozzle, and in which said supporting means can be opened about the hinged connection for changing gates; of an improved operating mechanism for said gate, said mechanism comprising: a bell crank pivotally mounted on said supporting means adjacent the intersection of the bottom and side walls of the vessel; an elongated linear-motion device for applying a force to operate said gate; means on the side wall of said vessel above said bell crank supporting said device for pivotal movement with respect to said vessel; and means operatively connecting said bell crank both with said device and with said gate; said bell crank being disconnectable to permit said supporting means to move about the hinged connection, without interference from said operating mechanism; said device extending up the side wall of said vessel above said bell crank with the longitudinal axis of said device lying approximately parallel with the side wall, whereby the device is readily accessible without being an obstacle.
 2. A combination as defined in claim 1 in which said device is a fluid-pressure cylinder and piston.
 3. A combination as defined in claim 1 in which said device is connected directly to said bell crank.
 4. A combination as defined in claim 1 including in addition means on said beLl crank engageable with said supporting means for preventing parts from dropping from said said supporting means when opened.
 5. The combination, with a bottom-pour vessel having a nozzle in its bottom wall, a gate, and means on the underside of the bottom wall slidably supporting said gate, whereby said gate may control flow of material through said nozzle, of an improved operating mechanism for said gate, said mechanism comprising: a telescoping rigging; means pivotally supporting said rigging on a side wall of said vessel; a linear-motion device on the side wall of said vessel operatively connected with said rigging and extending in a direction approximately parallel with the side wall; and means including a bell crank linkage mechanically connecting said rigging with said gate.
 6. A combination as defined in claim 5 in which said rigging is air-cooled.
 7. A combination as defined in claim 5 in which the means pivotally supporting said rigging includes a plate pivotally mounted on a side wall of said vessel, said device being removably attached to said plate and to said rigging.
 8. A combination as defined in claim 7 in which said rigging is air-cooled.
 9. A combination as defined in claim 7 in which said rigging is air-cooled, and including means for transmitting cooling air from said rigging to the means slidably supporting said gate.
 10. A combination as defined in claim 7 in which said rigging is aligned with said gate.
 11. A combination as defined in claim 7 in which said vessel includes a tilting support on its side wall, and said gate is located approximately under said tilting support, said rigging being offset from said gate and said tilting support, the bell crank of said linkage having horizontally spaced arms connected respectively with said rigging and with said gate.
 12. A combination as defined in claim 11 in which said rigging is air-cooled, the connection between said bell crank and said gate includes a tubular connecting rod, and including in addition means for transmitting cooling air from said rigging to the bore of said connecting rod.
 13. The combination, with a bottom-pour vessel having a nozzle in its bottom wall, a gate, and means on the underside of the bottom wall slidably supporting said gate for approximately horizontal movement, whereby said gate may control flow of material through said nozzle, of an improved operating mechanism for said gate, said mechanism comprising a mechanically connected linear-motion device and telescoping rigging, means on a side wall of said vessel spaced above the bottom wall thereof pivotally supporting said device and said rigging with both extending in a direction approximately parallel with the side wall, and a linkage mechanically connecting said rigging and said gate for transmitting movement of said rigging in a direction approaching the vertical to said gate in a direction approximately horizontal.
 14. A combination as defined in claim 13 in which said linkage includes a bell crank pivotally mounted adjacent the lower edge of said vessel, means pivotally connecting one arm of said bell crank to said rigging, and a connecting rod pivotally connected to the other arm of said bell crank and leading to said gate.
 15. A combination as defined in claim 13 in which the means pivotally supporting said device and said rigging includes a plate, and brackets fixed to the side wall pivotally supporting said plate, and in which said rigging includes a guide tube fixed to said plate, and an axially movable tube within said guide tube connected with said device.
 16. A combination as defined in claim 15 comprising in addition an air inlet and an air outlet on said axially movable tube for circulating cooling air therethrough, and means connecting said outlet with the means slidably supporting said gate for directing cooling air thereto.
 17. A combination as defined in claim 14 in which the means slidably supporting said gate can be openEd to enable gates to be changed, and one arm of said bell crank can be disconnected from the part to which it is pivoted so as not to interfere with such opening. 